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Product Stewardship Summary CAS: 10035-10-6 Formula: HBr Hydrobromic Acid, Anhydrous; Anhydrous Hydrogen Bromide

Introduction Description and Properties

Anhydrous hydrobromic acid (HBr) is a Anhydrous hydrobromic acid is a powerful chemical compound that is an colorless gas that is heavier than air and Table of Contents essential chemical tool in modern has a great affinity for water. It has a Click a heading manufacturing. Hundreds of other sharp, unpleasant odor, it fumes in moist to display that topic. compounds made with HBr are combined air, and the resulting clouds have a strong, in a variety of ways to make such things sour taste. HBr dissolves in alcohol and Introduction as semiconductors, fuels, plastics and organic solvents, as well as water. It is Description and Properties medicines. HBr is literally a life-saver: nonflammable, but is highly corrosive to It is used to make most metals in the Uses the fire retardants presence of even Health Information that protect us in very small amounts our homes and of moisture. Exposure Potential automobiles, and Environmental Information when we travel by air. Uses Physical Hazards HBr does all these Anhydrous Derivation/Manufacturing things and more by hydrobromic acid Regulatory Information combining with reacts readily with other products and a wide variety Product Stewardship by controlling of chemical Conclusion chemical reactions, compounds, so we can’t see it at and this ability References work. But without it, our lives would be makes it a valuable chemical tool in much less comfortable and considerably drug manufacturing, both as an ingredient less safe. and as a catalyst that helps to control complex reactions.

Page 1 of 4 HBr is very effective at etching the silicon death from swelling or spasm of the Environmental Information wafers used in semiconductor production. throat, or from respiratory inflammation. Small quantities of hydrogen bromide are Our homes, appliances, entertainment Long-term exposure may cause chronic sometimes released naturally during systems and automobiles contain nasal and bronchial discharge and chronic volcanic eruptions. Whether or not HBr is miniaturized electronic components and indigestion. Inhalation of vapors may released into the environment by natural integrated circuits that are made in a cause coughing, nose bleeds, dizziness, processes, its affinity for water and complex process using HBr to remove headache, delayed abdominal pain tendency to react with other compounds unwanted material. HBr is used in and diarrhea. mean that it is unlikely to persist in the engraving and a type of printing called environment for extended periods. lithography, and is a key ingredient in the manufacture of photographic chemicals Exposure Potential and textile finishing. You are very unlikely to be exposed to Physical Hazards Oil refiners hydrobromic acid Hydrogen bromide is stored and sometimes use even if you work in a transported in specialized containers made anhydrous manufacturing with compatible materials and designed to hydrobromic acid process that uses it prevent unintentional releases. If the with other or you’re involved in containers are subjected to a fire, they may compounds to help transporting HBr. burst, releasing HBr and toxic bromine gas. them make Exposure is unlikely At sufficiently high pressure, HBr can ingredients for high- because HBr is weaken glass laboratory containers, which octane gasoline and stored and may shatter. aviation fuel, as well transported in as intermediate durable protective If containers are punctured, HBr may come compounds that are containers designed into contact with common metals, used to make to prevent contact producing hydrogen gas, which is plastics, cosmetics explosive. Leaking and synthetic fibers. with the material, HBr becomes highly and because corrosive in the One of HBr’s most important roles is to help ventilation and presence of protect us from fire. It is a key ingredient personal protective moisture, and it can used to make many fire retardants that are equipment are react with a variety added to fabrics, plastics and plastic foam. required when of other compounds These fire retardants are critical to public handling HBr. to produce heat and safety and are required by law in the seat toxic or corrosive cushions we use at home, in our cars and In the event of a smoke and fumes. when we travel by air. Fire retardants made spill or accidental with HBr also protect your computer and release, HBr will television, your carpet and draperies, your form a corrosive furniture at home and at work, and many liquid when it comes types of clothing. into contact with water. To avoid contact, move quickly away Derivation/Manufacturing from the spill and get upwind. If you must Health Information work where the potential exists for Anhydrous hydrogen bromide is made in exposure, your employer will require that Europe, Asia and the Americas. Albemarle Anhydrous hydrobromic acid causes severe you wear a complete acid suit with hood, Corporation makes HBr in its Magnolia, burns to the eyes, skin, and mucous gloves, boots, and full-facepiece acid gas Arkansas, manufacturing complex and at its membranes in the mouth, throat and nose. respirator, supplied-air respirator, or self- Jordan Bromine Company joint venture Exposure to high concentrations can cause contained breathing apparatus. facility in Safi, Jordan.

Page 2 of 4 Regulatory Information Product Stewardship Conclusion

HBr is regulated under CERCLA/RCRA Albemarle Corporation is committed to Anhydrous hydrogen bromide is a powerful regulations as a hazardous waste or manage hydrogen bromide so that it can be chemical compound that is both a useful material. If spilled, it can be neutralized so safely distributed and used. We work with tool for manufacturing chemists and a that it is no longer corrosive, and it may our customers to minimize the risks of valuable raw material. As with all powerful then be disposed of as a non-hazardous leakage and personnel exposure through tools, it must be handled with care by waste in compliance with local, state and compliance with trained, well- federal regulations. applicable equipped regulations. Those professionals. Anhydrous HBr is classified by the US regulations specify Handled properly, it Department of Transportation as a toxic appropriate rewards us with gas, and as a corrosive compound (DOT containers and everything from HAZARD CLASS: 2.3 (Toxic Gas) See Note 3., protective high-energy fuels to 8 (corrosive) DOT ID NUMBER: UN1048). equipment, health-giving drugs It is a class 1 “immediate-acute” health and require while saving lives by hazard under SARA 311/312 regulations. transportation firms protecting us from The OSHA-permissible exposure limit (PEL) to meet strict safety fires – and does so for hydrogen bromide is 3 ppm (10 mg/m3) standards before safely and without as an 8-hour time-weighted average transporting the harm to our concentration. Based on the potential for product. environment. eye, mucous membrane, and skin irritation, In the unlikely event of an HBr the National Institute for Occupational transportation incident, Albemarle is Safety and Health (NIOSH) exposure limit Note staffed and organized to document and for hydrogen bromide is 3 ppm as a ceiling investigate, and facilitate corrective action. This document provides general limit. The American Conference of In addition, we provide guidance to our information about anhydrous hydrogen Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) customers in proper handling and storage bromide and does not supplant or has a ceiling limit of 2 ppm. techniques and systems, along with replace required regulatory and/or legal HBr has been pre-registered under the emergency response procedures, and we communication documents, nor is it European Community Regulation “REACH”. encourage communication about safety intended to provide an in-depth discussion and improved procedures. of health and safety information. Always consult the product’s material safety data sheet, product label and technical data sheet before using the chemical.

Page 3 of 4 References Hydrobromic Acid, Anhydrous Material Safety Data Sheet Albemarle Corporation, July 11, 2006 Hydrobromic Acid, Anhydrous Liquid Product Data Sheet BC-0053, Albemarle Corporation, October, 2007 Anhydrous Hydrobromic Acid Product Stewardship Summary Albemarle Corporation, January 26, 2007 Annual Product Stewardship Site Audit Questionnaire Albemarle Corporation, 2005, Occupational Safety and Health Guideline for Hydrogren Bromide http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/hydrogenbromide/recognition.html http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/chemicals/cn/Hydrobromic%A0acid.html Bromine, Inorganic Compounds Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 2002 http://www.dsbg.com/brome/brome.nsf/7eddd01a22d7b740422566250043ed2c/a4fc1fb0e9d58d9542256ca50036c8c9/$FILE/bromukel.a01.pdf Hydrogen bromide is a component of volcano gas. [Matteucei M; CR Acad Sci 129: 65-7 (1899) as cited in Graedel TE et al; Atmospheric Chemical Compounds p.94 (1986)] http://www.gasdetection.com/TECH/hbr.html http://www.nanolab.ucla.edu/pdf/HBrmsds.pdf

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Albemarle Corporation is a member of the American Chemistry Council and, through ACC’s participation with the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), has prepared this document to improve product stewardship within the chemical industry and with suppliers and customers. The information presented herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, but is presented without guarantee or responsibility on the part of Albemarle Corporation and its subsidiaries. It is the responsibility of the user to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to provide for a safe workplace. The user should consider any health or safety hazards or information contained herein only as a guide, and should take those precautions which are necessary or prudent to instruct employees and to develop work practice procedures in order to promote a safe work environment. Further, nothing contained herein shall be taken as an inducement or recommendation to manufacture or use any of the herein materials or processes in violation of existing or future patent. ALB1041 (10/08) © 2008 Albemarle Corporation and ALBEMARLE are registered trademarks of Albemarle Corporation www.albemarle.com Page 4 of 4